Contra Mundum

“The generality of men thought they did God good service in persecuting those who would not yield to the judgment of others who had a reputation for learning and piety. Those who were conscientious could not yield to their determinations, not seeing the truth of God in them, and this made the stir. While men appear obstinate by the rule of Christ, we are not to bear with them. This principle [that it is obstinacy not to be convinced by the judgment of many who are more learned and more godly] sets thousands of godly, peaceable men in the seat of the obstinate; these cannot in conscience yield, and others cannot but in conscience oppose them. What reconciliation then can be hoped for” (Burroughs, Irenicum, p. 127).